MONROE COUNTY – Eligible families in Monroe County can get free diapers and baby wipes through the Monroe County Opportunity Program. Some churches and organizations in the area also offer free diapers.
MCOP has had free diaper programs since 2022. MCOP’s current program started in January. Since January, 2,447 boxes of diapers have been distributed to families in Monroe County, said Tamara Courts-Butts, MCOP’s food programs director. She also manages the diaper subsidy.
There will be a big change in the MCOP program on October 1st. Here’s what you need to know about the program and the change.
What will change on October 1?
Families are less likely to receive diapers and baby wipes.
“The (Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program) funding source will change the frequency of access to this service effective October 1,” Courts-Butts said. “In the past, participants could receive diapers once a month. As of October 1, the funding source placed a limit on the number of months clients could participate in the program.”
Under the new guidelines, participants are eligible to receive diaper packages for four consecutive months within a twelve-month period. The four-month period begins on the date of a participant’s first package. For example, if a participant receives a diaper package in January, she is eligible for packages in January, February, March and April. After April, the recipient will not be eligible again until January.
Why the change?
“This program is funded by the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program (TANF),” Courts-Butts said. “The guidelines have been updated because TANF programs are intended to be temporary, time-limited programs. These types of programs are designed to help families cope with changes in income and provide support as the household works to become self-sufficient.”
Am I qualified?
Diaper recipients must live in the same home as the child. The child must be under 18 years old.
Households are eligible for the program if they have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or if they have participated in one of the following programs in the past twelve months: SNAP (food stamps), FIP, State Emergency Relief (SER), Weatherization Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance.
“Proof of income is not required, but each household will be asked to sign a document proving their eligibility,” Courts-Butts said.
What is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level?
The monthly family income must be equal to or lower than:
Single, $2,510
Two people, $3,406
Three people, $4,303
Four people, $5,200
Five people, $6,096
Six people, $6,993
Add $896 for each additional family member
Many families in Monroe County meet this qualification.
“MCOP completes a community needs assessment every three years. This document takes a closer look at the makeup of our community and associated needs,” Courts-Butts said. “The most recent report was published in 2023. The assessment uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau to outline the demographics of our county. The Census Bureau does not provide an analysis of the number of households below 200% of the federal poverty level; report that there are 33,400 people living below 185% of the poverty line.”
Previous coverage: Here’s where families can get food assistance in Monroe County in September
When and where can I get diapers?
Diapers are distributed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at MCOP, 1140 S. Telegraph Road in Monroe.
The Opportunity Center, 120 Eastchester St. in Monroe, will distribute diapers on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m.
What will I receive?
Households will receive one pack of diapers and one pack of baby wipes for each child in the household.
“Each recipient will receive a box of diapers and a pack of wipes,” Courts-Butts said. “The diapers are available in quantities ranging from 74 to 168 depending on size. The wipes are travel packs of 64 wipes.”
“We have sizes from newborn to 5T, but can special order any size if necessary,” she said. “We have seen a number of families with older children with disabilities who need this service.”
Is there a great need for free diapers in Monroe County?
“During our most recent community needs survey, we found that 53.4% of households living in poverty in Monroe County are households headed by single women. This figure is significant compared to the figures for married couples in poverty (28.4%) or singles. male-headed households (18.2%),” Courts-Butts said. “This number had a major impact on our team. With this number in mind, we began expanding the diaper bank program to help alleviate this burden.”
When did MCOP first start offering free diapers?
“MCOP first started the diaper bank in 2022. The program operated on a much smaller scale for the first two years. We were able to run the program for a few months each year before funding ran out,” Courts-Butts said.
“This year we received the grant for the Southeast Michigan region,” she said. “With the increased funding available this year, we were able to not only expand the program within Monroe County, but also distribute diapers in five neighboring counties (Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne). Through these partnerships, we are able to to provide this much-needed resource to families struggling to meet their household needs.”
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How can I learn more?
Call MCOP at 734-241-2775 or visit monroecountyop.org.
Where else can families get diaper help in Monroe County?
Heartbeat of Monroe, 123 W. First St. in Monroe.
Monroe County Health Department offers Children’s Special Health Care Services, which helps families pay for children with special needs. For more information, please call 734-240-7820.
NorthBrook Church, 12000 Jones in Carleton, offers We Care once a month. Among the items given are diapers. Upcoming distributions are October 21, November 18, and December 16. Visit the website for more information.
New Beginnings Mercy House, 40 N. Roessler St. in Monroe, offers diapers and other items for babies and children.
Gibraltar Food Pantry, 29885 Bayview Dr. in Gibraltar, has offered diapers in the past.
Previous coverage: ‘Don’t dare go without’: Maternity home provides Christmas room
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared in The Monroe News: Find out where to get free diapers and baby wipes in Monroe County
